Crandall Pirates Chase a Statement Win to Open the 2026 Season at Braswell
Proven offensive firepower meets a rebuilt Bengals program under a new head coach
The 2026 season begins with a genuinely tricky test for the Crandall Pirates. Crandall travels to Denton on Friday night to face Class 6A Denton Braswell at Carrico Stadium. On paper, the Pirates hold the edge in proven offensive production. But Braswell returns a wave of experienced starters and begins a new era under a head coach who built a consistent winner at his previous stop. That makes opening night harder to read than the 2025 records suggest.
Tale of the Tape
| Category | Crandall Pirates | Braswell Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Record | 7-4, reached the playoffs | 2-8 |
| Head Coach | Darrell Lewis | Justen Evans, first season |
| Returning Starters | Core offensive skill trio returns | 45 lettermen, 9 offensive, 7 defensive starters |
| Signature Strength | Proven passing and rushing production | Established ground game plus a new scheme |
Crandall Brings Proven Firepower
Crandall’s biggest advantage entering opening night is offensive continuity. Running back Darrik Ward Jr. rushed for 1,246 yards and 18 touchdowns last season while averaging more than six yards per carry. Receiver Jeremiah Douglas caught 63 passes for 1,029 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning District 6-5A Offensive MVP honors. Senior quarterback Isaac Briones returns after completing 69 of 101 passes for 789 yards and seven touchdowns.
That trio gives Crandall three proven pieces to build around. Ward forces defenses to commit resources to the run. Douglas can change a game on one reception. Briones gives the Pirates an experienced passer capable of distributing the football. Braswell’s challenge is stopping all three without opening a weakness somewhere else. If the Bengals load up against Ward, Crandall can attack outside. If they devote extra coverage to Douglas, Ward should find more room to run.
Braswell Wants to Establish the Run
Braswell’s offense starts with senior running back Zahir Trufant, who rushed for more than 600 yards last season and delivered his best performance against one of the schedule’s strongest opponents. Trufant ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns against Coppell and added a receiving touchdown as the Bengals pushed a 10-win Coppell team before falling 25-21. Sophomore Chris Lark adds another rushing option after meaningful varsity work as a freshman.
The quarterback job appears unsettled publicly, with junior Zaivyn Nyaku seen as a leading candidate whose mobility adds another concern for Crandall’s defense. Under Evans, Braswell is unlikely to simply hand the ball to Trufant on every important snap. His offenses at Corpus Christi Miller were built to attack whatever numbers the defense gave them. Crandall must stop Trufant without losing contain on the quarterback or opening the passing game.
Crandall’s Defense Gets an Immediate Test
Crandall’s offense draws most of the preseason attention, but the defense may decide how comfortable Friday night becomes. Cayson Hardman, Davyn Davis and Jayden McCleary all return to the defensive lineup, and the assignment starts with tackling. Braswell wants to avoid obvious passing situations, so if Crandall consistently stops the run on first down, the Pirates can force Braswell’s new offense into spots where its quarterback and receivers must win on their own.
Braswell’s Defense Has Playmakers
Braswell’s 2025 results were inconsistent, but the Bengals return real individual production, and a new defensive coordinator in Eddie Moten brings an extensive background coaching defensive backs. Crandall should still hold the edge in proven offensive playmakers, but the Pirates cannot allow Braswell’s front seven to create negative plays that stall the offense’s rhythm.
Key Players by the Numbers
| Player | Team | Position | 2025 Stat Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darrik Ward Jr. | Crandall | RB | 1,246 rushing yards, 18 TD |
| Jeremiah Douglas | Crandall | WR | 63 catches, 1,029 yards, 12 TD, District Offensive MVP |
| Isaac Briones | Crandall | QB | 69 of 101 passing, 789 yards, 7 TD |
| Zahir Trufant | Braswell | RB | 600 plus rushing yards, 197 yards and 2 TD vs Coppell |
| Emanuel Fuller | Braswell | S | 95 tackles as a sophomore |
| Ivory Marshall | Braswell | DE | 73.5 tackles, 13 tackles for loss |
| Huran Brown III | Braswell | LB | 47 tackles, 14 tackles for loss |
| Grant Goshton | Braswell | LB | 72 tackles |
Players to Watch
Paths to Victory
The Biggest Question
Score Prediction
Season and career statistics reflect official 2025 team and district records.
